Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) prepares you for professional practice as a registered psychologist. Make a profound impact on patients’ lives by diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, and set yourself up for further training in a specialised area, which can lead to area of practice endorsement.
You have worked hard to get to this point. Ready to gain general registration as a psychologist and reach your full potential?
For those seeking general registration as a psychologist, the Master of Psychology (Clinical) is where you might finish your study journey. Upon graduation, you will have the skills, experience and qualifications needed to apply to the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) for general registration. With this in mind, the course is designed to prepare you for the transition from student to professional psychologist. It’s also accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), making it a degree that’s sought-after by employers across the industry.
The course also provides a pathway to further training in order to gain area of practice endorsement with the PsyBA. An endorsement demonstrates a registered psychologist’s high-level knowledge and qualifications in a specialised area, such as clinical psychology or neuropsychology, and can open the door to more advanced roles.
Our clinical psychology teaching team was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence award, and our award-winning teaching strategies and learning resources include simulation and competency-based assessment approaches.
Draw on everything you’ve learned in your studies, and add layers of new knowledge to become an expert in your field.
Some of the key areas you will study include:
- advanced clinical assessment
- psychological intervention
- the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions
- advanced clinical research methods
- biological and neuropsychological perspectives on disorder
- issues in professional psychology.
The course exposes you to the many different aspects of clinical psychology, beyond just professional practice. Graduate as a confident, well-rounded psychology professional with training in research, teaching and supervision, program development and evaluation, public policy, and mental health promotion. Tying all of these study areas together is a common thread of evidence-based practice. To create a degree that’s truly evidence-led, we’ve designed the course in consultation with industry partners, ensuring the latest theoretical principles, established knowledge and industry research is embedded within the curriculum.
The extensive practical experience you will gain throughout the course will make your transition into life as a professional psychologist even smoother. Practical learning opportunities allow you to apply your knowledge and skills with real patients in real clinics – invaluable preparation for the challenges of your future career. As a student in our clinical training program, you can work alongside established professionals through some of our key partnerships which are in public and primary mental health through our key partnerships (in particular Barwon Health). These experiences help to prepare you for what lies ahead, they help you to build your professional identity and create networks that support your career development.
Entry into the Master of Psychology (Clinical) is competitive. That’s because Deakin is ranked #4 in Victoria for psychology^, and leads all Victorian universities for education experience~, learning resources and support services.# If you want to join a high-achieving group of students with a shared passion for exploring the human mind and helping others, the Master of Psychology (Clinical) is the course to take your career forward.
Learn more about your career options in psychology.
^QS rankings
~Student Experience Survey 2017, 2018
#Compared university comparison tool compared.edu.au/compare/study-areas
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Psychology (Clinical)
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- H750
- CRICOS code?
- 060023G Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Master of Psychology (Clinical), you must pass 16 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 16 credit points of core units
Most units are equal to one credit point.
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core units
Level 1 - Trimester 1
Level 1 - Trimester 2
Level 2 - Trimester 1
Level 2 - Trimester 2
Note: Consistent with a developmental approach, there is a prescribed sequence for coursework and placement units such that successful completion of earlier units is required to enrol in later units. Specific information regarding pre-requisites are described in the individual Unit Guides.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Under the regulations of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009, Master of Psychology students are required to be provisionally registered from the commencement of enrolment and for the duration of enrolment in their degree. This is a mandatory requirement. Students should apply online for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia as soon as they have been accepted into the degree. Alternatively, a paper form is available on the Board’s website (see Application for provisional registration - APRO-76).
In accordance with the Department of Justice 2007, Working with Children Act 2005, amended 2017, all students are required to undertake a Working with Children Check at the commencement of their course. Students who fail to obtain a Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of clinical placement will not be able to undertake clinical placement and this will impede progress in the course.
In accordance with Department of Human Services policy, all students are required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to clinical placements in each calendar year of their course.
Students may also be required to declare their immunisation status to satisfy the requirements of health organisations where they will be undertaking their clinical learning experience. A health organisation may refuse to accept a student for placement if the student’s immunisation status is not satisfactory to the health organisation.
Workload
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is a full-time course and as such, it requires a full-time commitment from students. Nevertheless, it is recognised that many students will need to work to support themselves for the duration of their study. Students are advised that working over and above 8 hours per week is likely to impact their progress through the course.
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) program is based at Deakin’s Melbourne Burwood Campus but includes a presence at Deakin’s Geelong Waterfront and Waurn Ponds Campuses in line with our commitment to regional training and workforce development.
Attendance requirements
Students can expect to participate in a range of learning activities each week; including a combination of self-paced study, lectures, seminars, placements and online interactions. The face-to-face coursework component is predominantly held at the Melbourne Burwood Campus in a purpose-built clinical teaching facility. Some teaching will be held in Geelong including full-day clinical teaching workshops while other aspects of the teaching and learning occurs in the online environment. As part of their placement program, trainees will engage in placements in key partnerships across Geelong/Barwon and metropolitan Melbourne as well as rural and regional placement opportunities.
Participation requirements
Students are required to complete 3 compulsory clinical placements of 2-3 days per week for approximately 20-25 weeks. These placements include at least one placement in the Barwon region.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Placement program
The clinical placements are designed to equip students with a range of professional skills and an awareness of professional issues. Students will benefit from Deakin’s key placement partnerships including Barwon Health and other organisations to ensure they gain experience of across child, adolescent and adult populations. The placement program will be determined jointly by the student, the placement coordinators, and the course leadership team. Each placement requires the full complement of days to be completed. Failure of any one placement may result in exclusion from the course.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
Master of Psychology (Clinical) has limited CSP places, Therefore CSP places are not guaranteed and are allocated according to time of receipt of a completed application.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet all the following criteria:
- completion of a four year tertiary program* with a psychology major from an APAC accredited program with a minimum of a Honours 2A average or equivalent. Applicants who have completed a four-year program in psychology more than 10 years ago will need to articulate how they have maintained recency of Level 2 Pre-Professional Competencies: and
- eligibility for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia
International applicants will need to have their qualifications assessed by APS to determine if the applicants qualifications are comparable to an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) sequence of study in psychology. Further information regarding international qualification assessment can be found at the Australian Psychological Society.
*Either an honours program or the combination of a three year undergraduate degree including a psychology major and an approved postgraduate program. If you are applying with an international qualification this must be assessed as equivalent by the Australian Psychological Society.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 7.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Non-academic requirements
You will be required to provide two referee reports with your application. Two academic referees are preferred but where a second academic referee cannot be sought by an applicant, a professional referee may be suitable if they are in the position to respond to the criteria assessed in the referee reports. Information on how to obtain and share references can be found at the Psychology Reference Portal.
Preferred referees include 4th year supervisors and course directors from your university, however we will also consider other academic referees with working relationships within the area of psychology. You are not required to include referee information through the Deakin University direct application portal.
Please note that the Psychology Reference Portal will be temporarily closed from 28 June, 5:00 PM, until 1 August, 9:00 AM AEST. Please ensure that you have nominated Deakin as a Higher Education Provider (HEP) for any existing references before 28 June, 5:00 PM. The new subscription period will open 1 August 2024. It appears that references from the previous subscription period will not be rolled over into the next period.
Applicants are required to refer to the checklist in the apply now section.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications must be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
For information on the application process and closing dates, see checklist (PDF, 185.9KB). Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Master of Psychology (Clinical) students who wish to enrol in the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) program can apply in the usual manner for entry into the D Psych (Clinical) course at the end of the first year of the M Psych (Clinical), competing with newly applying D Psych (Clinical) students. They must also successfully undertake a Doctoral level thesis confirmation. Successful students will receive Recognition of prior learning for all comparable units completed thus far allowing direct entry into the second year of the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical).
Careers
Career outcomes
Upon successfully completing the course, you will become eligible to apply for general registration as a psychologist. Once you’re registered, you will have the qualifications and experience needed to practise as a psychologist.
The course also provides a pathway to further training in order to gain area of practice endorsement with the PsyBA (Clinical Psychology). An endorsement demonstrates a registered psychologist’s high-level knowledge and qualifications in a specialised area, such as clinical psychology or neuropsychology, and can open the door to more advanced roles.
Professional recognition
This course has been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), in accordance with the Accreditation Standards for Psychology Program (APAC, 2019). These standards are designed for accreditation of programs such as this for pathway to practice as a registered psychologist. As such, this course is approved by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA),for the purposes of approving it under the National Law.
On completion of this course graduates may apply to the PsyBA for registration as a psychologist. To obtain endorsement in the Clinical area of specialisation graduates are required to complete two years of approved supervised practice and fulfil professional development requirements.
Note: This course is accredited at the date of publishing. The eligibility of students for registration by the Psychology Board of Australia, and for membership of professional bodies such as the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and its Clinical College is subject to meeting the requirements of the regulatory body and the professional association. Deakin University makes no representation that students will meet those requirements.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply advanced psychological knowledge of aetiology, progression and recovery from psychopathology, and relevant taxonomies to culturally safe assessment and identification of psychological disorders, current functioning, and risk to self and others. Display advanced knowledge of psychological theories and scientific methods, including through appropriate application of culturally responsive and evidence-based clinical psychology assessment and treatment across the lifespan. |
| Communication | Communicate safely and effectively with clients, carers, and colleagues, including discussing risks and benefits of assessment and intervention, in a variety of settings in which clinical psychologists work, including health and medical settings. |
| Digital literacy | Ethically use a range of digital technologies including research databases, eHealth, and artificial intelligence applications to support evidence-based clinical psychology practice, research, innovation and evaluation. |
| Critical thinking | Critically evaluate, interpret and synthesise research findings with assessment data to inform formulation, diagnoses and treatment approaches for clients and apply these appropriately for the context. |
| Problem solving | Demonstrate and apply an understanding of outcome-based and evidence-based treatment and assessment approaches relevant to the practice of clinical psychology, including through collaborative goal setting and client feedback, and ongoing evaluation of symptom change and other therapeutic outcomes. |
| Self-management | Proactively engage in reflection and supervision to identify strengths and areas for development, and the impact of culture, values, beliefs, biases and self-care practices on one’s own practice; develop and implement related goals to practise competently in line with clinical psychology practice standards, codes of ethical practice and relevant legal frameworks. |
| Teamwork | Operate effectively within intra- and inter-disciplinary teams, respecting diverse cultural perspectives, skills and contributions, and practising within the boundaries of professional and cultural competence across a range of settings in which clinical psychologists operate. |
| Global citizenship | Practise clinical psychology ethically and legally, in culturally informed trauma-aware, and neuro-affirming ways. Apply knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands peoples’ psychology frameworks and demonstrate a commitment to decolonising clinical psychology practice. |
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